Everett E. Gene Rydell, 86, of Decatur, died at 1:28 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at his residence in Decatur. Gene was born on June 14, 1922 in Ford County, Illinois, the son of Fred A. and Maude E. (Phillips) Rydell who both preceded Gene in death. Gene served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II from February 1942 " February 1946, being discharged at the rank of Corporal. It was during this time that he met Helen A. Hiscocks. On May 20, 1945 in Los Angeles, California they were united in marriage. After World War II ended, Gene went to work at Bag Service Inc. (Central Soya) where he became the manager, retiring in 1978. In 1987, Gene also retired from First State Bank in Decatur where he was a former Chairman of the Board. Gene was a member of the Decatur Rotary Club, Elks Lodge #993, Moose Lodge #1311, Adams Post 43 American Legion, and the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. He had received special recognitions including the Silver Beaver from the Boy Scouts and was a Rotary " Paul Harris Fellow. Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen A. Rydell of Decatur, Indiana; 2 daughters: Judith Ann (Thomas) Mettler of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Barbara L. Isch of Decatur, Indiana; a son: William P. (Bonnie) Rydell of Allison Park, Pennsylvania; 6 Grandchildren, 3 Step-Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Step-Great-Grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his brother: Charles F. Rydell and sister: Dorothy E. Hill. Funeral services for Gene will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 in the First Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Indiana with Pastor Laura Sherwood officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Decatur Cemetery with military graveside services being conducted by the Color Guard of Adams Post 43 American Legion. Friends and family will be received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur and one hour prior to services on Wednesday in the church. In lieu of flowers Gene asked that preferred memorials be given to the First Presbyterian Church or the Strickler Cancer Institute at the Adams Memorial Hospital.
